162 Skycatcher vs 172 Skyhawk
The 172 Skyhawk leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) beside the Cessna / Textron Aviation 172 Skyhawk (introduced 1955) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
162 Skycatcher vs 172 Skyhawk: the key differences
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 48% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; 172 Skyhawk: 696 nm).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 9% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; 172 Skyhawk: 122 kt).
- The 172 Skyhawk delivers 100% more passenger capacity (162 Skycatcher: 2 seats; 172 Skyhawk: 4 seats).
- The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk), a gap of 55 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 172 Skyhawk seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 162 Skycatcher can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
162 Skycatcher vs 172 Skyhawk: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the 172 Skyhawk?
The 172 Skyhawk has the longer published range — 696 nm versus 470 nm for the 162 Skycatcher.
Does the 162 Skycatcher or 172 Skyhawk seat more passengers?
The 172 Skyhawk carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is faster, the 162 Skycatcher or the 172 Skyhawk?
The 172 Skyhawk cruises faster, at 122 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the 172 Skyhawk?
The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1955 for the 172 Skyhawk.
Is the 162 Skycatcher or the 172 Skyhawk the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 172 Skyhawk is the larger aircraft — 2,550 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher or the 172 Skyhawk?
On published specifications the 172 Skyhawk leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 162 Skycatcher can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 162 Skycatcher vs 172 Skyhawk?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.